"High-Stakes for the Global Economy! Trump Calls Xi in Bid to Halt U.S.-China Trade Crisis"
Why Did Trump Call Xi Jinping?
The Real Reason Behind a High-Stakes Conversation
After months of hinting that a phone call was imminent, former U.S. President Donald Trump finally spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping on June 5, 2025. The long-anticipated conversation, which reportedly lasted 90 minutes, comes amid intensifying trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
While few official details were released, insiders and U.S. officials say the call wasn’t just a diplomatic gesture—it was a calculated move driven by Trump’s unique approach to leadership and deal-making.
Personal Ties Over Protocol
Trump has long believed that personal relationships between world leaders can unlock major diplomatic breakthroughs. Unlike the Chinese government’s meticulously planned negotiation style, Trump favors a direct, top-down approach—starting from the Oval Office, not behind closed-door policy meetings.
This difference in style has made Beijing uneasy. Chinese officials have reportedly been reluctant to arrange a call with Trump, fearing unexpected comments or awkward moments—something that has happened before with other leaders.
Escalating Tensions Demanded High-Level Talks
The urgency of the call stemmed from a worsening trade war. Trump recently imposed a new round of tariffs on Chinese goods—up to 145%—prompting swift retaliation from Beijing. The disputes now extend beyond tariffs to rare earth minerals, semiconductors, and national supply chains.
Recent trade talks in Geneva showed some promise, but quickly fell apart after the U.S. accused China of violating its pledge to ease restrictions on critical minerals. Trump’s team saw a direct conversation with Xi as necessary to move negotiations forward.
Politics and Legacy
Beyond trade, Trump’s phone call reflects a broader political strategy. He aims to revive a major pillar of his first-term agenda—securing a comprehensive trade deal with China. The original plan was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and Trump now seeks to reclaim that success as a legacy-defining achievement in his second term.
A Carefully Watched Moment
The Chinese government is known for controlling every detail of high-level talks—even flower arrangements and translators are discussed in advance. Trump’s unpredictability challenges that structure. Still, the call happened, and Xi reportedly spoke with caution, while Trump expressed optimism for future negotiations.
Trump posted on Truth Social just before the call:
“I’ve always liked President Xi. He’s strong. One of the toughest negotiators. But I respect that.”
After the call, Trump admitted trade relations had “gone off track a bit” but claimed the two sides now have a “good relationship” and that more talks are coming soon.
Final Thoughts
Though one phone call won’t erase years of growing mistrust, it signals a possible shift—perhaps a first step toward stabilizing an increasingly volatile relationship. For now, all eyes are on what comes next in this high-stakes diplomatic dance.